Peter Sagan’s last effort to tackle the pave of northern France did not go to plan, finishing 86th, and the Slovak star promptly skipped the last two editions. But in the mean-time the Cannondale man has grown into a serious Classics contender, and is keen to finally end his wait for a first career Monument. The Ronde did not go to plan for Sagan, isolated from his team-mates, his decision to try and slow the leading group to wait for support backfired.

Nevertheless, Sagan has been in good form this season, with E3 Harelbeke his biggest win to date in 2014. He will not arrive at Paris-Roubaix merely to make up the numbers – he will be racing to win. If his team-mates can deliver for him, and if he get his tactics right on this occasion, Sagan certainly has the sprint to win in the velodrome or the ability to go it alone. With no past record of note to speak of at the Queen of the Classics, it remains to be seen how he will cope with the 28 pavé secteurs. But on form alone, he is among the favourites.